LAGOS 70 MILLION GALLONS PER DAY ADIYAN WATER WORKS WILL SOON COME TO LIGHT, SAYS OMOTOSO AS HE PRESENT THE SCORE CARD OF GOVERNOR SANWOLU’S GOVERNMENT

27th January, 2025

Lagos 70 Million Gallons Per Day Adiyan Water Works Will Soon Come To Light, Says Omotoso As He present the Score card of Governor Sanwolu’s Government

The Lagos State government is optimistic that the Adiyan Water Works with the capacity to deliver 70 million gallons per day to Lagos homes will be ready soon.

The state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, gave the assurance during the Citizens’ Engagement Forum, organized by the Lagos State Ministry of Information, in Alausa, Ikeja, on Friday.

Omotoso said that despite the challenges the state government is facing in making pipe borne water available to the people of the state, it is making frantic efforts to tackle them head-on.

He explained that the state government has signed an agreement with the Ogun State government, who owned the water reservoir in Adiyan, where Lagos State is expecting to get water supply.

The commissioner noted that the sum of N600 million has been paid to the Ogun State government for the supply of the 70 million gallons of water per day.

Omotoso said that as part of the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu THEMES+ Development Agenda, the state government will soon commission a new general hospital in Ojo to cater to the health needs of the residents.

He said that the General Hospital in Ojo “is one of the very best that the health sector can showcase around this time. This is the first general hospital the Lagos State government is building in a decade.”O

Nurudeen Ismail (A News Reporter) reported that;

Omotoso said: “Apart from that, around Epe, we are building a Mental Health Centre. People go to hospitals to treat malaria and not many of us talk about mental health. All over the world because of the economic situation, because of social factors, so many other things affect mental health. This is a formidable attempt.”

He said: “In health, we are also building the Massey Street Children’s Hospital, which will be the best in sub-Saharan Africa. It is all about bringing down infant mortality.

“This is aimed at addressing infant mortality and improving healthcare. Our women will no longer have to worry about the inadequacies they face while giving birth. We are also tackling child birth syndrome, which has affected the health sector.”

The commissioner also noted that the government is building a food logistics hub in Epe, which will be the largest in sub-Saharan Africa once completed.

According to him: “This first phase of the facility will be commissioned this year, and once it’s operational, it will be able to store food to feed at least five million people every three months. If inflation remains high, this facility will help bring down prices in the market, benefiting Lagosians.”

Reeling out the administration’s feat in the area of water transportation, Omotoso said: “In May 29, 2024, Mr. Governor went to commission 15 boats. These ferries are comparable to any you can find anywhere in the world, ferries built by our young engineers here in Lagos.

“These ferries are not just modes of transportation; they symbolize what is possible in Nigeria and Lagos. They were built in Lagos by our own engineers. Very soon, we will commission about 10 more to bring the total to 25.

“In Lagos, we have been able to provide three modes of transportation. If you want to take the train today from Agbado all the way to Marina, it only takes about 35 minutes of smooth riding, compared to the hours of walking and sweating it used to take.

If you want to travel by water, as I’ve said, it only takes about 35 minutes from Ikorodu to the Island. Many routes have been opened on the waterways, and many jetties have been built.”

“As of the last count, about 16 jetties are ready for commissioning in so many places. Last year, we also made progress in many areas, including roads,” he added.

In his submission Monzor Olowosago, publisher of Oriwu Sun Community Newspaper advised the Lagos state government to focus on the community newspapers as partners because they are the closest to the community and they have more information on what is happening in the grassroot than the national newspapers.

Olanrewaju Tajudeen Elegbede

(Publisher; Realafrica News, Nigeria)

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Lagos State: A Promise of Progress and Completion in 2025

27th January, 2025

As the Sanwo-Olu administration pushes forward with growth and development in Lagos State, Commissioner Omotoso has assured citizens that more initiatives under the T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda will be introduced in 2025. This promise reflects the administration's dedication to transforming Lagos into a leading megacity, as detailed in the Lagos State Development Plan (LSDP) 2022-2052.

A primary focus of the T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda is the completion of ongoing projects. Omotoso confirmed that the Sanwo-Olu administration will see all projects through to completion, highlighting the government's commitment to fulfilling its initiatives. This dedication is essential for maintaining the trust and confidence of the people of Lagos.

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Ondo election: Three candidates step down for Gov. Aiyedatiwa

November 14, 2024

By Ogaga Ariemu

Ahead of Saturday’s governorship poll in Ondo State, three gubernatorial candidates have stepped down for the candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

The Chief Press Secretary to Governor Ayedatiwa, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, confirmed on Thursday that Dr. Ajibola Falaye, Hon. Jenyo Ataunko, and Olaide Ibrahim of the Accord Party, the National Rescue Movement, and the African Democratic Congress have dropped their ambition.

The spokesperson to Ayedatiwa said the endorsement came when the three candidates paid a solidarity visit to the governor.

Speaking on behalf of the candidate, Dr. Falaye hinged their decision to back the governor on his commitment to public service, track record, and outstanding performance in office.

“We have been watching him, and his doors are always open to all,” Falaye stated, commending the governor for his inclusive approach to governance and for prioritising the welfare of residents.

He pointed to the governor’s record on security, stating: “The state has been experiencing relative peace under his watch, which reflects his commitment to safeguarding the lives of our people.”

The Accord Party candidate also noted the shared values of progressive politics and goals that NRM, ADC, and Accord find in alignment with the Aiyedatiwa’s administration.

“We see the infrastructural development that has taken place even within this short period. It is clear that the governor is actively working for the people. This Saturday, we will turn our commitment into votes. We will vote for continuity in Ondo State.”

In his response, Governor Aiyedatiwa expressed deep gratitude for the endorsement, calling it a quality decision made out of goodwill by the candidates and their parties.

“I didn’t call for this, but I am grateful that my colleagues in the race have voluntarily identified with my mandate and are ready to mobilise their supporters to vote for the APC,” the governor said.

Aiyedatiwa warmly welcomed the candidates’ decision to unite behind him, describing it as an act of statesmanship.

Acknowledging the short time remaining before the election, the governor said: “There’s no time left. I appeal to you all to encourage your members to come out in full force on Saturday and cast their votes for the APC.”

This comes as Benue Governor Reverend Father Hyacinth Alia and the Director General of the campaign, Hon Abiola Makinde, among others, joined Governor Aiyedatiwa to receive the three candidates.

Reports on Wednesday, the Court of Appeal, sitting in Abuja, disqualified Olusola Ebiseni as the Labour Party candidate.

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, 2023 presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, barely a day ago, warned voters not to be intimidated, backed his party’s candidate, Mr Agboola Ajayi.

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AFCON 2025 qualifiers: Rohr begs Super Eagles for favour ahead of Rwanda clash

November 15, 2024

By Ifreke Inyang 

The head coach of Benin Republic, Gernot Rohr, is hoping that Nigeria helps their bid to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Rohr’s men failed to beat the Super Eagles on Thursday day, with the qualifying fixture ending 1-1 in Abidjan.

Mohamed Tijani’s goal had given the Beninoise the lead in the 16th minute, before Victor Osimhen drew the game level in the 81st minute.

The result leaves the Squirrels with all to do in the final match of the qualifying series away to Libya.

A win of a low-score defeat will see Benin Republic qualify, only if Nigeria beat Rwanda in Uyo on Monday.

“We have to avoid defeat. But you don’t go to play for a draw,” Rohr said.

“So we will use our confidence from the performance today (against Nigeria) for the game in Benghazi.

“Hopefully, the Super Eagles will beat Rwanda in Uyo.”

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Eva Longoria opens up about choosing to live abroad

By Alli Rosenbloom; November 14, 2024

Eva Longoria has chosen to live her life outside of the US.

The “Desperate Housewives” star told Marie Claire in an interview published Wednesday that she and her husband José Bastón, along with their six-year-old son Santiago, no longer call Los Angeles home base. For years, her family has primarily lived outside of Hollywood and now split their time between Spain and Mexico, according to the publication.

Longoria said she has increasingly felt like the US is “a scary place” and that she feels it will continue to be following the results of the presidential election.

She acknowledged that she is “privileged” to be able to provide an escape abroad for herself and her family.

“I get to escape and go somewhere. Most Americans aren’t so lucky,” she added. “They’re going to be stuck in this dystopian country, and my anxiety and sadness is for them.”

The actor spent her summer campaigning for the Harris-Walz ticket in an effort to recruit Latino voters.

“I would like to think our fight continues,” she said of her work with the Democratic party.

Even before the pandemic, Longoria, who was born and raised in Texas, said she felt the country “was changing” for several reasons, but it really just boiled down to the fact that she wanted to begin anew.

“It just feels like this chapter in my life is done now.”

Most recently, Longoria starred in and executive produced the series “Land of Women,” and appeared in six episodes of “Only Murders in the Building.”

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Elon Musk met with Iran’s UN envoy, NYT reports

By Tara John; November14, 2024

Tesla CEO and X owner Elon Musk listens as US President-elect Donald Trump speaks during a meeting with House Republicans at the Hyatt Regency hotel in Washington, DC, U.S. on November 13, 2024.

Tesla CEO and X owner Elon Musk listens as US President-elect Donald Trump speaks during a meeting with House Republicans at the Hyatt Regency hotel in Washington, DC, U.S. on November 13, 2024.

Elon Musk, the world’s wealthiest person and close ally of President-elect Donald Trump, met with Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations on Monday, the New York Times reported, citing two Iranian officials.

The meeting between Musk and Iran’s envoy Amir Saeid Iravani was held at a secret location in New York and lasted more than an hour, the NYT reported, citing the Iranian officials, who reportedly described the discussion as focused on how to defuse tensions between the two countries.

CNN is reaching out to Musk and Trump’s transition team for comment. Iran’s mission to the UN declined to comment.

Biden administration officials at the UN were not notified that the meeting was happening, and still have not received independent confirmation it took place, a US official told CNN.

The reported meeting comes as experts speculate that the next four years could pose a significant test for Iran. Tehran under Trump’s scrutiny could lead to a return of the “maximum pressure” campaign he imposed during his last presidency, which increased Iran’s isolation and crippled its economy, experts say.

Since Trump left office in 2020, Iran has ramped up enrichment of uranium, increased its oil exports, stepped up support for regional militant groups, and has set a precedent by striking Israel in a direct attack twice.

Republican presidential nominee and former U.S. President Donald Trump appears on a congratulatory digital billboard for the 2024 U.S Presidential Election in Jerusalem, November 6, 2024.

Here’s what’s at stake in the Middle East under Trump’s second term

The billionaire’s reported conversation with the Iranian official raises questions about what his influence might look like in the incoming administration, especially when it comes to US foreign policy.

Just last week, the day after the presidential election, Musk joined Trump’s call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, according to two sources. Trump put the call on speaker and Zelensky thanked Musk for his help with providing communications through Starlink to Ukraine in the ongoing war with Russia, a source added.

Trump announced Tuesday that Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy will lead a new “Department of Government Efficiency” in his second administration. Musk, who is the CEO of Space X and Tesla, has benefitted from billions of dollars worth of federal contracts, including from NASA, the military and other US government agencies, and the announcement raised immediate concerns about potential conflicts of interest.

It is not immediately clear how the department – which Trump said would “provide advice and guidance from outside of Government” – would operate, and whether a Congress even fully controlled by Republicans would have the appetite to approve such a massive overhaul of government spending and operations.

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BREAKING: Nigerian soldiers, Bello Turji-led bandits in gun battle at Sabon Birni, Sokoto

November 14, 2024

Reports indicate that men of the Nigerian Army are engaged in a serious gun battle with bandits led by the notorious Bello Turji.

The ongoing clash between Nigerian troops and Turji’s men is reportedly taking place in the Sabon Birni area of Sokoto State.

On Thursday, a senior consultant and public affairs analyst, Abdulsalam Suleiman Izuagbe, stated that commuters can no longer travel from Shinkafi to Sabon Birni.

According to Izuagbe: “There is a war going on in Sabon Birni; Bello Turji is facing the Nigerian Army as I talk to you.

“They are exchanging fire in the Sabon Birni area. From Shinkafi to Sabon Birni is no longer safe for anybody to travel, as I’m presently speaking. To think it’s a normal business as usual is missing the point.”

At the time of filing this report, the Sokoto State Police Command spokesperson, ASP Sanusi Abubakar, had not responded to calls or texts sent to his phone.

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